There are tariffs for all crimes based on the basic crime committed. So murder carries a mandatory life sentence as the law currentley stands in the UK (I think). The sentencing guidelines however would decide what that sentence would be and for how long life would mean. For you and I then life, I feel, should mean incarcerated for life, but the law does not do that.

So if you were walking down a road and got hit with a car that was speeding it is doubtful he would be charged with murder, or even manslaughter, as there was no premeditation. But if someome deliberately ran you over, meaning to kill you, then murder has to be the charge. That would go for anyone. But if someone decides to kill you deliberately because you are a Scot or a Heterosexual then they are not singling YOU out but what you are. They are killing you for something that happeneed at birth. I think then that the hate crime law is brought in. Your death is somewhat premeditated for what you are and now who you are then that makes a massive differnce in the eyes of the law and they try to reflect that. I believe many people also see that difference, subtle though it is.

Murdering you is reprehensible and is not condoned or allowed without severe sentence but if that is brought about because of you having a defined difference then the sentence is more severe. You are still dead and, in some ways, I agree with you that each should have the same sentence. But in reality one type of crime is more reprehensible than the other.

I struggle to show a definition that would explain it but I hope the above goes some way to show why there is a difference.

pm